When troubled or discouraged, I have often returned to a text found in Philippians:
". . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6 NIV)
This text reminds me that no matter how slow my progress may seem, or how far from God I might feel at any given time, He IS working in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). This morning, I came across a similar promise in one of the Psalms:
"The Lord will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands." (Ps 138:8 NIV)
I love reading the Psalms - especially those written by David as this one was. David's walk with God was so REAL. David clearly wasn't perfect, but God called him a man after his own heart! (I Sam 13:14, Acts 13:22) David was sometimes afraid or discouraged, and sometimes fell far short of what he should in his actions and faith, but He continued to look to God - the "author and finisher" (Heb 12:2) of his faith. I love the verses that say that God saw David as a man who kept His commandments and and followed God with all his heart (for example, I Kings 14:8) - despite David's human failings. This verse from Psalms 138 is a great reminder. David's words suggest a fear of abandonment, but a steadfast faith in God combating that fear. This morning, I choose to take David's words as my own - with gratitude.
Father, I am so grateful that your love endures forever and you will not abandon me but will instead fulfill your purpose for me! I am so grateful that you will carry your work to completion in me, as I, too, look to you as both the author and finisher of my faith. I am grateful that you continue to work in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure. You know the current challenges in my path. I trust you to remove them if it is the best way to fulfill your plan in my life - and to give me the courage and strength to continue moving forward despite these challenges if that is what you see is best. I am grateful for your continued guidance in my life, and the strength you give each day! I love you, Father.
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.